Fights, fire alarms worry EHS families amid other reports
Superintendent Jana Rueter, pictured here at an unrelated press conference Feb. 17, sent a letter to Elgin Independent School District parents and staff in regards to incidents at Elgin High School in the last week of April. Photo by Fernando Castro
Safety concerns at Elgin High School escalated Monday and Tuesday after fights, fire alarms and accounts of other dangers were heard by students and their families, which has been addressed by the district.
Superintendent Jana Rueter refuted reports of guns and knives on campus after posts about the incidents flooded social media April 24-25. In an email to families and staff Tuesday night, she reiterated that initial communications on the incident were “completely accurate and factual.”
“The social media posts regarding these incidents have been highly embellished,” said Rueter, “and are not based on the actual facts of the occurrences.”
Rueter reportedly visited with families Tuesday to explain more about what transpired at campus.
“I cannot stress enough how sorry I am that these events have happened in our high school,” said the superintendent. “I know that we have amazing teachers, administrators, and staff who have been incredibly responsive and supportive to our students throughout these challenging events. The challenges we are facing do not define the wonderful students at Elgin High School who are making excellent choices and focusing on their education every single day.”
Elgin Independent School District's communication office reported a calm campus Wednesday morning, April 25, as STAAR testing continues with no reported effects or delays.
Parents and staff were initially informed of a fight at EHS in messages shortly after 10:30 a.m. Monday.
“Elgin ISD Administration and Security are conducting a full investigation to determine the cause of the incident,” said Principal Rick Reyes. “The issue was addressed quickly and swiftly by the administration and continues to be investigated. We take student safety seriously, and we will not tolerate inappropriate behavior.”
Online social media posts claimed the incident involved a stabbing. Videos and photos said to be from the incident were then posted and spread through apps and online groups. Conflicting opinions and accounts of what the images displayed were shared. An afternoon message updated the community on the altercation and about not finding any weapons.
“There is no evidence that there were any weapons involved in the student altercation,” said Reyes. “The students involved will be disciplined, according to student code of conduct.”
Fire alarms sounded off amidst Monday's tension, followed by another alarm on Tuesday. Malfunctions were blamed on both events.
“Campus officials reviewed all video surveillance and confirmed what the panel indicated, that no pull station was ever pulled,” said Rueter. “We are having this panel and sensors repaired or replaced.”
As reports of knives surfaced Monday and gun threats were implicated Tuesday, school officials and the Elgin Police Department investigated allegations.
“After being interviewed by law enforcement and school officials, each one of these claims has been found not to be true, or the student recanted their statement,” said Rueter.
Camera surveillance, student videos and photos were also examined by the school and law enforcement. A particular image showed a student with what appeared to be a bloodied arm.
“We have seen the pictures circulating of the student who was injured (Monday) during the altercation. The student was injured by their own actions during the incident,” said Rueter. “Administrators were with the student the entire window of time of the sustained injury. At no time was a weapon present.”
Although contradicting accounts of campus events and potential threats continued to be shared, the superintendent said she appreciated students who came forward with reports.
“I have no reason to hide the truth from you. I am a parent myself who understands the heightened concerns and I care about all of our Elgin ISD students, as well as our families and community,” said Rueter. “I promise you that every single rumor has been vetted, and as students with such claims were questioned, they either recanted their story or changed their statement.”
With that said, EISD encourages any student with new information to contact law enforcement as they conduct a full investigation. Families and staff can submit general concerns to either law enforcement or school officials.